Many an atheist may have become believers at Fushimi Inari Jinja. (Shrine in Japanese is jinja.) Besides the majestic beauty, the magic is almost palpable. Maybe that’s due to the prayers of the faithful. Or perhaps Inari, Japanese Shinto god of the harvest, blesses the shrine grounds. Could it be the fox statues – messengers of Inari, god of the harvest – come to life and actually deliver good news?

40,000 shrines are dedicated to Inari, the deity of the rice harvest. Fushimi Inari was built in 711 AD as the headquarters. The harvest is, of course, important. But a harvest blessing has blossomed into a metaphor for prosperity. How does one get to a life of riches? In Japan, entrance into an Ivy League university paves the path to success. Entrance exams results are important. So, one of the sub-shrines at Fushimi Inari is dedicated to the deity who helps students. The proper method to make the gods hear your prayers at Shinto shrines is in the short YouTube below.